ABTA has set out to reassure the British public that their upcoming trips are safe, in new guidance that says ‘holidaymakers are getting away as normal’.
The association has added an update on the tips and advice section of its website, titled: ‘Jet fuel prices and availability – what travellers need to know’.
It assures customers: ‘Holidays are still going ahead’, adding: “We don’t want people to worry about their upcoming holiday – travel is still going ahead, with holidaymakers getting away as normal. We’re not aware of UK flights being cancelled due to the availability of jet fuel.
“We are in close contact with airline bodies who have said UK airlines are currently not seeing disruption to jet fuel supply, because the UK sources fuel from a diverse range of places.
“Some European airlines have been reducing flights to some destinations to save money on fuel, but where they have multiple flights going to the same place on the same day. This is a small proportion of flights when you consider the number that depart each day.
“In these cases, customers will be moved onto the next available flight, likely to be on the same day. So, even if flights are cancelled, it doesn’t necessarily mean that people will have difficulty getting to their destination.”
ABTA added holidaymakers are well protected in the event of something unexpected happening and advised people to take out their own insurance.
It added: “There are still lots of holidays available to book this year, including for the summer, to suit a range of budgets. ABTA travel agents and tour operators can find the best holiday to suit your needs and price range.” Urged travellers to take out insurance.”
Meanwhile, travel journalist Simon Calder has also told Brits not to worry about their summer holidays.
He told readers of The Independent: “The world is waiting to deliver a summer that is memorable for all the right reasons.”
He addressed several concerns customers have had, including fuel availability, price hikes and cancellations.
He said Wizz Air Chief Executive József Váradi had assured him fuel availability won’t be an issue and that suppliers will be ‘creative’ in finding alternative sources. And, although some carriers have started cancelling flights, Simon said: “That does not mean you lose your holiday,” adding airlines might have to fly into alternative airports instead, which may be ‘not ideal, but perfectly tolerable’.
He added holiday companies have hedged most of their fuel costs and said surcharges will ‘only go as far as the market will tolerate’.
Simon allayed specific concerns from readers that aircraft might not being able to refuel in Cyprus by saying: “Aircraft could fly from Cyprus to Athens and refuel there.”
He acknowledged there will be ‘higher prices if aviation fuel remains expensive’, adding ‘which makes summer 2026 prime holiday time’.
He urged people not to ‘hesitate to commit to Spain, Italy or Greece between May and September’, saying: “Prices now are about as good they will ever get.”
And he advised people not to wait to book, saying: “If airlines end up cancelling more flights, those who have already booked will be fine. Those trying to book at short notice may find no seats available, or prices far higher than expected.”
“For trips further afield – to South America, Southeast Asia and Australia, booking now gives you the reassurance of knowing the airline must get you to your destination.”
Click here to read ABTA’s guidance.
